Palletized load



Dec. 28, 1965 R. E. swlNGLE PALLETIZED LOAD Filed Dec. 18, 1962 UnitedStates Patent O 3,225,919 PALLETIZED LOAD v Roy E. Swingle, Park Forest,Ill., assignor to Interlake Steel Corporation, a corporation of New YorkFiled Dec. 18, 1962, Ser. No. 245,587 4 Claims. (Cl. 20G-60) Thisinvention relates to the art of packaging and particularly toimprovements in packaging of skid loads of stacked sheets, or `the like.

Presently, it is common to palletize loads of many items by stackingthem on skids or pallets and securing them -in place by means of binderstraps encircled and secured about the loads and at least portions ofthe skids or pallets so that each skid or pallet becomes an integralpart of its load 4to facilitate subsequent handling of it by means yof afork lift truck. Such palletizing has been and is performed with greatsuccess in many, many cases.

A substantial degree of success has been achieved with this manner ofpalletizing stacks of paper sheets and other sheet material. But, acertain problem exists when palletizing sheet material, especially whenit is substan* tially nonporous to the extent that paper is. Experiencehas shown that freshly stacked sheets of paper entrap pockets of airbetween them which, when removed, cause the paper stack to compress. Theair can be removed to a certain extent by extreme compression applied toit and will also compress and cause removal of a certain amount of theair solely by its own weight as the stack stands and settles for aperiod of time. This compression by settling is increased due to ajogging effect when the stacks are shipped, caused by the vibration andshifting of the transporting vehicle, such as a ltruck Ior freight car.The result is that the stacks compress enough to substantially loosenthe binder straps encircling the stack to either minimize or eveneliminate their binding ability, and it is not uncommon to requirere-tensioning of the binder straps or else suffer damage to the stacksdue to shifting of the `sheets relative to each other. This problem hasbeen so serious that certain concerns have provided very expensive andpowerful presses to compress the stacks prior to strapping to force outas much air as possible from between the sheets.

It is the principal object of this invention to overcome the problemmentioned associated with the palletizing of stacks of sheets byproviding an improved -palletized load embodying means to compensate forload size shrinkage from compression due to removal of air from betweenthe sheets so that the binder straps encircling the loads remain taut,even after compression.

In order to accomplish thi-s object, a stack of sheets is provided withan inflatable pillow or bag which is inflated sufficiently -toconstantly provide a force to the encircling straps for the purpose ofmaintaining them taut.

It is another object of this invention to provide such an inflatable bagor pillow which can be conveniently inflated to a desired pressure afterthe binder straps are applied to the load and which has an externallyaccessible air inlet to permit regulation of pressure any timethereafter in case of air loss from the 'bag or excessive compression ofthe stack of sheets comprising the load.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a strapped loadembodying an inflatable -bag or pillow also incorporating a spacer meansto provide a supported pocket for the 'bag prior to its inflation toenable the load to be strapped tightly before inflating the' bag. Thisprovides a fixed size opening for the bag to insure that it ICC will beinflated to a proper thickness. As the load compresses, the bag expandsdue to it-s internal `air pressure. If the bag is not inflated to asuicient thickness, as the load compresses, the bag may not havesufficient air volume within it 4to cause it to maintain pressure andexpand sufficiently to maintain tension on the 4binder straps.

It is Istill another object of this invention -to provide a strappedload around which the binder straps can be applied without requiringtensioning tools. It is only necessary to manually shrink the straploops on the load until all slack is removed. Then the overlapping endsof the strap loops can be joined together by a conventional sealing orjoint forming tool. Upon inflation of the pillow or bag, the straps thenbecome tensioned.

It should be emphasized that the invention has utility on other thanpaper loads. For example, the invention can be used advantageously onyother type loads which shrink after standing. Specifically, a load ofwet lumber or fresh `tobacco leaves will lose moisture upon standingwhich results in shrinkage of the load. If bound with binder straps,they become loose as this occurs. By employing the features of thisinvention, this loosening of the straps is minimized or eliminated.

The invention should be more readily understood by reference to theaccompanying drawings in which FIG. 1 shows a prefer-red embodiment ofthe invention comprising a palletized load of a stack of sheet material;and

FIG. 2 shows a sectional-view of the upper portion of the palletizedload shown in FIG. l as viewed along' the line 2 2.

The preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings consistsof a stack 1 of rectangular sheets 1a which may be paper, -or the like.This stack 1 is supported on a platform 2 which can be a rectangularpiece of wood of the same rectangular ydimensions as the sheets 1a ofthe stack 1 `or may consist of -a plurality of planks or boardspositioned adjacent to each other to form the Same rectangulardimensions. The platform 2 is supported on two runners 3 and 4 whichsupport the platform 2 a distance above the supporting surface 5 and toallow the forks of a fork lift truck to be inserted into the space 6between the runners 3 and 4 for thepurpose of elevating the entire load.Y

Immediately on the top surface of lthe stack 1 of sheets 1a is a platen7 of the same dimensions as the platform 2. Surrounding the upper marginof this platen 7 are four boards 8,9, 10 and 11 whichprovide arectangular frame projecting upwardly from the platen 7. Within thisframe -is an air space or pocket 12 in which is positioned `aninflatable pillow or bag 13 which is approximately the same rectangulardimensions as the pocket 12. On the upper edges of the frame boards 8,9, 10 and 11 is .another platen 14 which is made up' of individualboards positioned side by side and joined together by means of threetransverse boards 15, 16'

and 17.

The inflatable bag 13 is provided with a flexible tubular vent 19 whichprojects through a round opening 20 provided in the platen 14. The vent19 is preferably provided with a valve similar to a tire inner tubevalve which permits the entry of air under pressure, but automaticallyprevents its exhaust.

The two support runners 3 and 4 are each provided with three slots 21 attheir upper edges for the accommodation of three binder straps 22 whichencircle the entire load as shown to secure the pallet to the load. In atransverse direction, three encircling binder straps 23 are providedwhich further assist in maintaining the pallet secured to the load. Allof the strap loops are applied as single lengths of strap and positionedwith their ends overlapping so that they can be secured by means ofconventional sealed joints 24. Such a joint 24 commonly consists of thestrap ends provided with an encircled tubular metal seal which isdeformed into interlocking engagement with the strap ends to completethe joint.

When assembling the palletized load, the pillow or bag is positionedwithin the pocket 12 with none or substantially no air within it. Thestraps are then applied with only moderate tension which can be obtainedby manually drawing the slack out of the straps. Tensioning tools arenot required, although they can be used if available for purposes ofproviding the same tension in all of the straps. The frame boards 8, 9,Iand 11 can be secured to the platen 14 or merely rested in place. Then,air under pressure is introduced through the vent 19 to inflate the bag13 to the proper pressure. Because of the large area of the bag, only asmall unit pressure of perhaps ve pounds per square inch may be enoughto accomplish the intended purpose. As the bag is inated, the straps 22and 23 become more taut. This is the same result which is otherwiseachieved by tensioning tools when no infiatable bag is present. Afterination of the bag, the boards 8, 9, 10 and 11 can be removed undercertain conditions, or left in if so desired. If they are intended to beleft in, it is probably preferable to secure them to either the platen14 or the platen 7 so that they will not become excessively displacedfrom the subsequent handling of the load. At this point, it should bemade evident that the boards 8, 9, 10 and 11 are initially required asspacers to insure that a pocket 12 is provided of sufficient size thatthe bag is inflated to a sufficient thickness. As the load compressesdue to removal of the air from between the sheets or from drying out olfthe load, depending upon the nature of the materi-al, the bag must havesufiicient volume of air under pressure to cause it to expand and stillsubstantially maintain its full pressure. If the bag does not expandsufficiently due to its internal pressure, it may not maintain theencircling binder straps 22 and 23 taut.

It is desirable that the bag 13 be of elastic material, such as rubber,but can also be of a relatively infiexble material, such as cloth backedor impregnated rubber provided the bag is oversize for the size of thepocket 12 provided. This would provide a degree of ripple in the wallsof the bag which would serve the same function as walls that stretch.

Although the load is shown with platen 7 it is possible to eliminateeven this member if the top of the load is such that it can withstandthe pressure distribution of the bag. A skid of paper would notnecessarily seem to require the platen 7 but a load of uneven thicknesssheets would seem to require it. The platen 7, in effect, distributesthe pressure [from the bag uniformly to the load. For a skid of paper,the elimination of t-he platen 7 provides the advantage of h-aving thecompressive force of the bag applied centrally of the load. This tendsto press the sheets of paper more tightly together centrally than attheir edges. When unstacking the paper sheets subsequently during use,this leaves their edges separated more to facilitate removal of onesheet at a time from the stack. Obviously, without the platen 7 present,the spacer members 8, 9, 10 and 11 will rest directly upon the edges ofthe top sheet of the sheets 1a.

Although only a single embodiment of the invention has been shown anddescribed it should be clearly understood that the invention can be madein many different ways without departing from the true scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A package comprising, two platens spaced froml each other with a loadtherebetween, spacer means between the first of said platens and theload spacing thel rst platen from the load, said spacer means beingpositioned around the periphery of the first platen and dimenf sioned tosuch a size that an air pocket is provided be-A tween said first of saidplatens and the load, at least a single tension binder surrounding thepackage, said binder urging the platens toward eaJh other and the load,an inflatable container positioned within the air pocket, and means onthe container accessible externally of the package for enabling thecontainer to be inflated to sufficient volume and pressure therein toapply a compressive force against the load to maintain compression inthe load and tension in the binder while the load shrinks.

2. A package comprising, a irst platen and a second platen, a load inthe form of stacked sheets which shrink in volume after being formedinto a package resting on said second platen, longitudinal spacermembers resting on the upper marginal edges of the top sheet of thestacked sheets, and the first `platen resting upon the spacer memberswhich thereby space the rst platen above the load to form an air pocketbetween the first platen; and the top sheet of the load, at least onetensionedl binder encircled in a closed loop around the packager andextending along the upper surface of the first platen,. down one side ofthe load, along the lower surface off the second platen and upward alongthe opposite sidef of the load, the tension in the binder urging theplatens and the spacer members toward each other and the load applying acompressive force to the load, and positioned within the air pocket Ianinfiated air tight container applying a reaction force between the firstplaten and the top sheet of the load urging the stacked sheets moretightly together, the volume of said container and the inflated pressuretherein being sufficient to maintain compression in the sheets andtension in the binder while the sheets shrink.

3. A unitized package of material which shrinks in Volume after beingformed into a package comprising, two platens spaced from each otherwith a load of material therebetween, and an inflatable pillow betweenat least one of said platens and the load, at least a single tensionbinder surrounding the package, said binder urging the platens towardeach other and the load, and means on the pillow accessible externallyof the package to allow the pillow to be inflated to suiicient volumeand pressure therein to apply a compressive force against the load tomaintain compression in the load and tension in the binder while thematerial of the load shrinks in volume.

4. A package comprising, two platens spaced from each other with a loadtherebetween, spacer means between the rst of said platens and the loadspacing the first platen from the load, said spacer means beingpositioned around the periphery of the first platen and dimensioned tosuch a size that an air pocket is provided'. between said rst of saidplatens and the load, at least' a single tension binder surrounding thepackage, said'. binder urging the platens toward each other and theload,an infiatable container positioned within the air pocket, and means onthe container accessible externallyv of the package for enabling thecontainer to be inflated to sufficient volume and pressure therein toapply a compressive force against. the load to maintain compression inthe load and tension in the binder while the load shrinks, said spacermeans being detachable from contact with the first platen to permitremoval of the spacer means after inflation of the pillow.

(References on following page) 5 6 References Cited by the Examiner3,072,270 1/ 1963 Tolby.

7/1898 Burger. FOREIGN PATENTS 8/ 1900 Middleby. 5 115,535 7/ 1942Australia. 6/ 1923 Butler 206-46 23,965 1897 Great Britain. 10/ 1931Lindermann 206-46 26,505 1905 Great Britain. 2/ 1943 Siegel 206-56262,275 12/ 1926 Great Britain. 10/1951 AudinO 206--50 848,248 9/1960Great Britain. 11/ 1958 Stratton 206-78 12/1960 Johnson 206- 60 10THERON E. CoNDoN, Primm Examiner.

2. A PACKAGE COMPRISING, A FIRST PLATEN AND A SECOND PLATEN, A LOAD INTHE FORM OF STACKED SHEETS WHICH SHRINK IN VOLUME AFTER BEING FORMEDINTO A PACKAGE RESTING ON SAID SECOND PLATEN, LONGITUDINAL SPACERMEMBERS RESTING ON THE UPPER MARGINAL EDGES OF THE TOP SHEET OF THESTACKED SHEETS, AND THE FIRST PLATEN RESTING UPON THE SPACER MEMBERSWHICH THEREBY SPACE THE FIRST PLATEN ABOVE THE LOAD TO FORM AN AIRPOCKET BETWEEN THE FIRST PLATEN AND THE TOP SHEET OF THE LOAD, AT LEASTONE TENSIONED BINDER ENCIRCLED IN A CLOSED LOOP AROUND THE PACKAGE ANDEXTENDING ALONG THE UPPER SURFACE OF THE FIRST PACKAGE DOWN ONE SIDE OFTHE LOAD, ALONG THE LOWER SURFACE OF THE SECOND PLATEN AND UPWARD ALONGTHE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE LOAD, THE TENSION IN THE BINDER URGING THEPLATENS AND THE SPACER MEMBERS TOWARD EACH OTHER AND THE LOAD APPLYING ACOMPRESSIVE FORCE TO THE LOAD, AND POSITIONED WITHIN THE AIR POCKET ANINFLATED AIR TIGHT CONTAINER APPLYING A REACTION FORCE BETWEEN THE FIRSTPLATEN AND THE TOP SHEET OF THE LOAD URGING THE STACKED SHEETS MORETIGHTLY TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF SAID CONTAINER AND THE INFLATED PRESSURETHEREIN BEING SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN COMPRESSION IN THE SHEETS ANDTENSION IN THE BINDER WHILE THE SHEETS SHRINK.